Staff reports 12:52 p.m.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 12:56 pm

ROCHESTER - Nationwide supply chain issues have reached our public water drinking supply with the city of Rochester soon expected to run out of sodium fluoride, which it adds to its water since it provides several health benefits.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in many water supplies at trace amounts. In Rochester, the fluoride level is adjusted to an optimal level averaging 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to improve oral health in children. At this level, it is safe, odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

Unfortunately, the supply of sodium fluoride at the Surface Water Treatment facility has been exhausted and the Groundwater Treatment Plant's supply will run out by the end of the month.

This supply chain issue is expected to continue for a number of months, however the city will continue to pursue all options for resupply. Meanwhile, the supply chain for other water treatment supplies remains strong.

Follow-up notifications will be sent when the fluoride dose returns to optimal levels. For questions, please contact the Water Treatment Facility at 603-335-4291. For more information on fluoride, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html.